Conquering the Game, with Tony Gonzalez

About This Episode

We’re gearing up for Super Bowl LIV. And what better way to do that than to sit down with an NFL legend? On this episode of StarTalk Sports Edition, Neil deGrasse Tyson is joined by NFL Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez, who played for both the Kansas City Chiefs and the Atlanta Falcons. 

In-studio Neil is joined by co-hosts Chuck Nice and Gary O’Reilly and, to start, we analyze the upcoming Super Bowl matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers. You’ll learn why Chuck is pulling for the Chiefs. We discuss what each team must do to win the game. Gary weighs in on what it’s like for great athletes to never win a championship. 

Then, we dive right into Neil’s interview with Tony. You’ll find out more about Tony’s early career: his dual-sport days, his connection to NBA legend Jason Kidd, and how he ended up only playing football. You’ll hear about Tony’s early struggles with fumbles and injury during his first few seasons in the NFL. He tells us how he overcame these issues as well overcoming Bell’s Palsy. Discover more about Tony’s scare with leukemia. 

Neil and Tony discuss the importance of failure to achieve success. Tony explains why educating himself was the reason he’s successful today. We explore the advances in recovery and treatment in the NFL from Tony’s early years to present day. Tony shares how he discovered veganism and how it impacts his life today.

After that, it’s Tony’s turn to ask Neil some questions. We investigate the weird nature of quantum mechanics at the atomic level. Discover more about the expansion of the universe. Lastly, Gary and Chuck emphasize the importance and legacy of Tony’s Hall of Fame career to the NFL and the players today.

NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons and All-Access subscribers can watch or listen to this entire episode commercial-free.